Start your research on the National Student Exchange website before you visit with us. Think about: 

• Why you are considering an exchange.
• What semester or academic year would work best for you to exchange.
• What you would like to experience geographically, culturally and academically.
• Your top choice schools (3-5) and why.
• The courses you want/need to take and if they are offered at the schools you are considering.
• Which works best for you: Plan A (pay in-state tuition at the host school) or Plan B (pay tuition to UM).

Before you can apply, you must attend a Pre-Placement informational meeting with NSE Coordinator to make sure an exchange will work for you, and to ask her any questions you may have. To schedule an appointment, contact our main office at (406) 243-2022 or email kathy.peters@mso.umt.edu.

At the Pre-Application meeting, you will discuss your school choices, course selections, semester, costs, budget, Plan A/B, financial aid, scholarships, credit transfers, and the application process. It is helpful to bring:

• Unofficial transcript (CyberBear is fine)
• A list of schools you are considering
• Budget Resources Worksheet
• Official Study Plan Approval Form (complete with your academic advisor)

During the Pre-Application Meeting, you will review your transcript for qualifying GPA (2.5+) and class standing (sophomore, junior or senior), credits completed, and absence of failing grades. Your candidacy will be vetted for absence of student conduct code violations and/or felony convictions. Your budget worksheet will be reviewed to confirm available financial resources, scholarships and financial aid, as well as tuition rate (Host or Home). Your study plan approval form will be reviewed for academic course choice, advisor’s approval, and transfer credit approval. If the transcript, study plan and budget look solid, please continue forward to Step 4.

At the Intake Interview, you will clarify any questions you might have and review:

• Application for Exchange
• Study Rationale Statement
• Reference Form - General

When your materials are complete, pay the nonexpendable $265 NSE Application Fee. Submit payment to UM Treasury, Lommasson #237, by debit card, credit card, cash or check (made payable to UM National Student Exchange).

Congratulations! You are going on exchange! Woo-hoo!

To finalize your placement, you will receive via email from NSE a Placement Acceptance Form (PAF) to review and sign. Meet with UM's NSE Coordinator to sign UM's Conditions of Placement form.

After signing your PAF, keep an eye on your email for information from your host school’s NSE coordinator about your placement, how to find housing there, the name of your host school advisor, to get your PIN and directions to register at your host school, etc.

Exchange is an easy process and nearly all students exchange to their first choice school. If you have questions about the application process, please contact us at 406-243-2022 or kathy.peters@mso.umt.edu.